Basically, we wanted evidence that the programs weren’t just random kitchen-sink workouts, which throw a random assortment of exercises at you each day, with no overarching plan or system in place. For general programming, apps earned a 4- or 5-star rating when the monthly membership fee was under $15. For an app to earn a 1-star rating, the app costs $35 per month or more. Aaptive is a simple to use app that received high scores in categories like app setup, ease of use, and accountability, but it only received average rankings for interactive features and progressive overload. JuggernautAI costs slightly more than the average app, thought it offers a longer trial period than most so new users can experience the programming. Because this is a powerlifting program, it may not be a surprise that you’ll need a squat rack, bench, barbell, and weight plates to complete your workouts.
Best AI Workout App: Fitbod
Workout apps can provide you with expert guidance, either through professionally made programs and plans or through connecting you with a certified personal trainer or coach. While what a workout app does varies from product to product, they can help you track progress, keep you motivated, and connect you with like-minded individuals who can support you on your fitness journey. A training program, on the other hand, is typically a list of exercises methodically selected by a personal trainer (or AI, in some cases) to target specific muscle groups.
Features
The app offers both group and individual training plans which are written and modified by a certified coach based on progress. While weight loss apps tend to focus on one goal, the best workout apps can offer plenty of variety and functionality. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve mobility, or boost your cardiovascular health, there’s a workout tracker for you.
Are the programs reusable?
A free training program may have the power to free your mind of any woes about designing an effective workout for yourself and worry about more pressing matters (like what you’re going to have for dinner). Lifters, old and new, may not appreciate BetterMe as the majority of the workouts are bodyweight with several dumbbells-only workouts. Still, it gets a 5 out of 5 for equipment demands, as people can do these workouts almost anywhere, but it’s not the best app for strength training. No, many apps provide workouts that can be done at home with bodyweight exercises or minimal equipment; however, having access to a gym can expand your exercise options. Nike Training Club, Nike’s free fitness app featuring guided workouts across strength, cardio, and mobility categories, is the only option on this list that is completely free — no paywall, no subscription, no catch. Men’s Journal (2026) ranks it as one of the best free workout apps for beginners.
Best for AI Coaching: Fitbod
- “Not only are there video demos for every movement in the Caliber app (which are really well-done), but you can even send form videos to your coach,” Amanda explains.
- For example, a running app won’t offer much training variety and doesn’t require equipment (aside from your best running shoes, of course).
- Our only real callout was the app itself, which had a few technical issues.
- We noted our experiences, as well as those of other customers who noted pros or cons in their respective customer reviews.
- Downloading the wrong type of app — not the wrong app — is the single most common and expensive mistake beginners make.
- Not every app will provide ongoing accountability to help you stay motivated, but we consider it a positive when we do see an app offering this feature.
Our tester also gave the app a 3 out of 5 for value, stating that it’s “very AI forward” and lacks the community aspect and competitive leaderboard you would find in other apps. Our tester notes that this is a great platform for independent users who enjoy training alone, but it might not work for everyone, especially those looking to interact with others on their fitness journey. IFIT’s cheaper tier is more affordable than the average workout app, but the app’s self-guided nature might not be a fit for everyone’s training style.
Mad Muscles vs Fitbod 2026: Honest Comparison
Even if you choose strength or bodybuilding workouts, the app uses circuit workouts rather than traditional strength training. We also considered categories like instruction quality, workout variety, and equipment needed, all of which helped shape our overall score. After carefully rating each app we tested, we narrowed down our list to the top 13 options. Nearly 6,000 people found their ideal workout app with our help in 2025, and we’re ready to help you with the picks below. A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are necessary for weight loss, maintenance, muscle building or toning. We recognise their continued cultural and spiritual connection to the land, sky and waterways that surround us.
FOR TOTAL BEGINNERS
Remember to check with a health care professional before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any concerns about your fitness or haven’t exercised for a long time. Also check with a health care professional if you have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis. If you want to lose weight, keep off lost weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more.
Boostcamp offers better features than the average workout app in nearly every category, which is why we consider it to be the best app for strength training. It prioritizes strength training, but caters to a variety of programs and disciplines, including powerlifting, weightlifting, and bodybuilding. Fitbod is great if you need AI-generated workouts for a variety of strength training goals.
Knowing my week is already planned allows me to stay focused and on track with my fitness goals. You should expect a little muscle soreness after workouts, especially in the beginning. But if you find that your body is simply not recovering between workouts, you may be overtraining.
Dr. Muscle: The AI Workout App With 27+ Features You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
FitOn is a great service for people just dipping their toes into the fitness world, mainly because it’s free and gives you access to tons of guided workout videos, still all for free. While the premium option can give you special features like premium music options to spice up your playlist, personalized meal plans, and offline downloads to workouts, the bulk of the app is free. Like many free workout apps, there are limited interactive features and accountability—none, to be exact, earning a 1 out of 5 in both of these aspects. Still, if you’re looking for a fun way to get a quick workout in, SmartWOD provides countless workouts that can be catered to your skillset and equipment available. For the gym-goer—or home gym user—who’s looking for a workout tracker with a comprehensive library of exercises, there’s Jefit.
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Yes, FitOn still has a 100% free version, which gives you access to their database of workouts. Different workout apps will provide different levels of tracking for workouts. Most free ones allow you to record loads and times for daily workouts, but you might also be able to track basic metrics, like weight, water, and inches.
Our Apps
In Print Journalism from Penn State University and is based in Pittsburgh, is mad muscles legit Pennsylvania. When not training, testing products, or writing content, Ben spends his time pursuing his other interests which include cooking, hunting, fishing, hiking, DIY projects, and intramural sports, among others. I have bought almost ten workout apps throughout the years and they are usually cumbersome… So I tend to quit and end up wandering in the gym doing random exercises. They also have a log so that you don’t have to carry around a notebook… With so many options for strength training apps available, selecting the best one can enhance your fitness routine and help you achieve your strength goals.
We cover this in our “How to Squat” guide, but sitting in a deep squat – often for long timeframes – is built into us as a species! We’ve just become soft from sitting in chairs all day long. #27) Crush audiobooks while “exercising.” This is called ‘temptation bundling.‘ Pair something you love with an activity you’re trying to do more of. #14) Try handstands – This is a fun activity that builds up some serious arm and core strength and will leave you sweating bullets after even a few minutes. Why not fix your posture, strengthen your legs, get more “fidget time” in, and spend the day being more productive with a standing desk? I have THIS desk and it allows me to switch between sitting and standing.